Ludi Capitolini: Capitoline Games

October 15

(Roman) Ancient: Id. Oct.
The Ludi Capitolini are held in honor of Jupiter, either as Optimus Maximus (Best and Greatest) or Feretrius. The
latter name may refer to Him as Striker (from ferire, to strike), since the Roman temple of Jupiter Feretrius
contained no statue, but only a sceptre and a silex flint, which had come from a meteor; it symbolizes His role as
“Striker of Agreements.” As part of the festivities an old man, wearing a child’s bulla
(amulet), is led through the streets with cries of Sardi venales! (Sardinians for sale!). The reason for this
custom was forgotten by Plutarch’s time, but perhaps we may interpret the “Sardinian”
(identified with the Etruscans by Plutarch) as a scapegoat. [SFR 194–5]